Work Text:
“We can do this, right bud?” Daichi said, voice soft. Mindful that his conversation partner is currently snoozing in a patch of sunlight.
Not for the first time, Sawamura Daichi wondered if he made the right decision to move his practice from the bustling city of Sendai to the little town of Karasuno. He didn’t really know anyone here, and moving also meant leaving his family and friends behind. Yet he can’t help the feeling that he wants to do something more after a lifetime of being exactly who he needed to be for others: the first son, the eldest sibling, captain of the team, licensed veterinarian- but rarely for himself.
Perhaps that’s precisely why he felt the need to move- to have a place to himself after being surrounded all his life by people and responsibilities in a big city.
And frankly, he didn’t want to compete with the great number of veterinarians already established in Sendai.
“What’s stopping you then?” Kuroo said with a smirk, nursing a bottle of beer one night in December during one of their bi-monthly get-togethers. He confided with his best friend about the need for “something new.” And his friend, not one to pander to self-pity, was quick to reply.
“We just have one life Daichi. If things are settled here and you have the luxury of choosing whether to stay or leave for something new, you should definitely go for it,” Kuroo added, emptying his beer bottle. “Who knows, you really might get something out of it. You’ll never know until you try.”
So Daichi thought, why not. His siblings are starting college and will soon begin living independently. Their parents are about to retire, and his dad expressed his want to finally be a stay-at-home man of the house. Being away also doesn’t mean he can’t help, albeit it might be a while before he can do so financially.
Five years since he started working at an animal hospital in the city and a year after his conversation with Kuroo, he was able to save enough to fund a clinic of his own. After a bit of research and word of mouth in the veterinary grapevine, he found a town just up north in the mountains of Miyagi that didn’t have a regular veterinarian practicing- perfect for the solace that Daichi had in mind.
And now here he is, with his pickup and his dog, moving to an apartment complex right across the building he leased to establish his very own veterinary practice.
He spent most of the morning cleaning his soon-to-be clinic. The bulk of the medical equipment, laboratory instruments, and medicines he ordered will not arrive until tomorrow according to Kuroo, but he figured it’s better to make sure the place is clean first before attempting to arrange the space. Though he probably should give Asahi a call to consult where to put his equipment- at least to have some semblance of style. He wants it to be welcoming and comforting for both humans and their pets. He understands all too well how veterinary visits can be distressing.
It was a spacious two-story building, albeit a bit old like most of the establishments in this quaint mountain town. He figured the first floor will be for the daily operations and the surgical area, while the second floor will be the home of any animal that might need an overnight stay. The second floor also has an extra room that can serve as storage.
A street away from the shopping center and nearer to the residential areas, households with pets could easily walk to his clinic with no problem. With only less than 9,000 population, the buses only operate four times a day. It’s quiet and peaceful, and he enjoyed the drive up along blooming cherry blossom trees.
He didn’t have much by way of personal possessions. Most of which have already been arranged the day prior by the moving company and, thankfully, the apartment he chose was already furnished. And so by afternoon, he is cleaning his new home. A one-bedroom with a spacious living room and a balcony overlooking the mountainside. Most of the things he sent over are his books, his training equipment, and of course the supplies needed by his best bud still napping at a patch of sunlight noticeably going dimmer as the sun slowly sets.
Mallows is his beloved white chow chow, a senior dog now at 10 years old, and their agenda recently is to lose a little extra weight to help her aging joints. But it’s hard because he loves spoiling his dog. Mallows came from his very first case at the animal hospital when he was just a high school part-timer. She was part of a litter abandoned in a burning building with Mallows the only one to survive. After that, Daichi can’t seem to resist spoiling her.
Come to think of it, it should be about time for their afternoon walk though he has yet to chart a good route in the area. Thinking whether it’s better for him to go alone first or if he should already bring Mallows, he heard frantic knocks at his door.
He hurried to open it and the first thing he saw is a black kitten meowing pitifully in the arms of, Daichi looks up, the most beautiful person he has seen in his life.
“Are you the owner of that bad boy outside?”
**
Koushi is frantic. He didn’t mean to startle the guy who has obviously just moved in next door, but he was desperate.
It was a busy day at the elementary school. A week after the opening of classes, club activities are starting to get busier. It was also nearing career festival and he was occupied with coordinating with friends in various professions to invite them to visit throughout the year to talk to his second graders. The theme this time is “medicine,” and so he was looking for frontline health workers. Kenjiro agreed easily as their doctor (though Koushi wasn’t above bribing him with some of his cookies given that the other man would have to travel a couple of hours too early to make it first thing in the morning), and Chikara already volunteered to talk about physical therapy.
Career festival also means his second graders get to come to school dressed in their dream professions and he’s looking forward to that and even helping them with their props and costumes.
Suffice to say he’s busy and wasn’t really able to pay attention to his daily life outside of work. He’s relying on his body to give him the cues as needed: hungry, might be time to eat. Exhausted? Might be time to sleep. Regardless of the fact that it was already 3 PM and he hasn’t had lunch yet, or 2:30 AM and he has yet to sleep.
“Have you forgotten to bring a bento again?” Kiyoko, a co-faculty who teaches high school mathematics, said. Koushi could only give her a sheepish smile as he looks up from a stack of club application forms. Due to the lack of staff, he has taken over as the temporary coach of the high school volleyball team.
“Ryu thought so, that’s why he said to bring you this,” Kiyoko said while putting a neatly wrapped bento. “He cooked too much this morning and thought to give you some instead of it going to waste.”
Koushi opened the bento to find tonkatsu, steamed brown rice, and some vegetables. He almost cried.
So Koushi might not be the best at taking care of himself, but he likes to think he is good at taking care of others. He has been voted as the favorite teacher in the school for several consecutive years now. At first, he’s afraid that his colleagues might take it personally. Little did Koushi know that he already won them over on the first Friday he brought cookies to the Faculty Room.
By the end of the day, he finds himself walking home excitedly. He actually decided to cook something substantial for dinner for once. A first in a while, if only to prove the Tanaka couple wrong (or more like to appease his guilt for having other people take care of him). He’s been relying on cup ramen too much and, even if Ryuu and Kiyoko would usually send over some food in exchange for babysitting their bird, Koushi figured he should find the time to meal prep for himself. Try to do this adult thing better.
Something different in his every day.
But all the plan to cook karaage and have some beer for dinner came to a pause when he saw a depleted box abandoned in the corner to his apartment complex. He hurried over when he heard a pitiful meow only to see a black kitten shivering from the cold air of early spring.
Kittens shouldn’t look this thin… Should they? And it’s having a hard time staying upright. And… are kittens supposed to be this warm?? Koushi began to worry because the little kitten looks very very sick. He’s not really familiar with pets- Ossan (the Tanaka’s bird, though they said it was Saeko who named him) being the only exception so he’s not sure. He should probably consult a veterinarian, but the nearest one is two towns over across the mountain, and the last bus out of town has already left.
Just as he was about to panic in the middle of the street, he saw a vaguely familiar dark pickup truck outside of their apartment complex. He remembered running across it in his hurry to go to school early and took it to mean his new neighbor is finally moving in. But a pickup truck means a way of transportation!! Just what he needed right now because no way is he abandoning the kitten. Koushi pretends that he hasn’t already decided on a name.
Scooping the black shivering body gently on his arms, he hurried over to the door of his new neighbor. He tried to calm his knocking, but he obviously wasn’t successful when he ended up banging the door a couple of times too many to be polite.
So he can’t really blame the guy for his surprise and Koushi just blurted out, “Are you the owner of that bad boy outside?” to a man with wide chocolate eyes.
**
Daichi still chuckles whenever he remembers that first meeting with the first person to ever make his acquaintance in Karasuno. It took a while before he got the man to calm down, and only so that the kitten bundled in its arms wouldn’t be furthered jostled than it already was. Apparently, the man found the kitten in a dirty box in the corner and promptly sought help.
“And so we need a ride because the nearest vet is in two towns over,” the man- Sugawara Koushi he learned later on, breathlessly said, eyes pleasing. Pleading! Daichi means pleading!
Anyway, he couldn’t say no to those beguiling caramel eyes if his life depended on it- and the kitten’s meows are also getting weaker at that point.
Suga, as he asked to be called, was ecstatic to learn that he is a vet and would be moving his practice in their town. He learned a lot while doing his preliminary check on the newly-christened Choco. He definitely approves of the name, fitting to what he can see now is going to be a gorgeous longhaired black cat. Provided of course that it survives the next couple of days. In turn, he learned that the silver-haired man is an elementary school teacher, occasional bird sitter, and his new neighbor.
Which made the next couple of days unexpected but not unwelcome.
Every morning, Suga made it a point to drop by Daichi’s clinic before going to work to check on Choco’s condition. It’s like the sun personally rises for Daichi whenever he drops by: all bright smiles and sparkling eyes, gently cooing at either the little kitten slowly recovering or to his other overnight stay-at-clinic charges.
Choco’s condition, thankfully, wasn’t too serious. Just a little dehydrated and underfed, and in need of a warm bath and a trim to remove some tangled and matted fur. He has already de-wormed the kitten and, as soon as he gains more weight in a couple of weeks, Daichi plans to give its vaccinations. He estimates that the little one is barely even a month old. And eventually some anti-rabies shots too some months after.
Suga insists on visiting whenever he can, and he’s not one to complain. He had the other man to thank for his steady business. Sure, he’s not as busy as he was in the animal hospital in Sendai, but he found the pace very comforting. A dog or two in the morning for anti-rabies shots or vaccinations, quick spaying after lunch, then some tick and fleas treatment to a kitten or three in the afternoon. Very few accidents too- the people of Karasuno really care for animals, even the strays.
He has Suga to thank- the teacher apparently got the word out at their school that they finally have a veterinarian in town.
He even ended up not needing Asahi’s advice. Suga took it to stride and help him set up the clinic when his equipment arrived on, thankfully, that very first Saturday. Daichi would be the first to confess how surprised he was at how strong the other man is, despite his lean figure.
“Ah, it’s necessary if you want to earn the respect of energetic grade-schoolers,” Suga told him with a wink while effortlessly lifting a box full of surgical tools. Daichi definitely feels like something is picking away at his heart at this point as he watches the other earnestly repainting the walls with quick-dry paint. He even helped him arrange the shelves, choose the proper decorations and photos for the walls, and even help him put up his sign.
By Sunday afternoon, he was ready for a Monday opening. Suga had fresh flowers ready first thing to decorate his desk. His new life began, though not as solitary as he initially imagined.
He has time to do his daily workouts and to walk Mallows in the early evenings. He can read well into the night with no chattering to interrupt him like when he lived with his family. He can watch whatever he likes, eat whatever he likes, and generally have the freedom he has been longing for.
And if he sometimes gets cookies by his door whenever his neighbor had to leave before he opens the clinic, that’s just an added bonus.
He figured he should be surprised by how quickly the other man has fitted into his life, but he finds himself just enjoying the unexpected. It’s refreshing.
“What are you laughing about?” Suga asked, eyes crinkled in amusement.
It has been almost a month since he first moved to Karasuno, and they felt that it’s time for Choco to go home. It was no question as to which home the little kitten is going to. At one point, Suga dropped by the clinic bringing with him an honest-to-goodness shopping cart filled with books on how to raise cats that he said he borrowed from a Semi in the library.
“Suga, I’m literally a vet,” Daichi said, amused, as Suga settled on the seat he has claimed as “his” during his daily (though if they are being honest, sometimes multiple times daily), visits.
“So?” Suga said, not paying him any mind.
“You can just ask me how to raise a cat,” Daichi chuckled while gently brushing Choco’s fur which is starting to grow longer, the kitten purring contentedly.
“Ssssh Daichi you’re no fun,” Suga said, flashing him his heart-stopping smile but with eyes set in determination. “Of course I’ll still ask you, I just want to be sure that I already know the basic things before I do.”
And the same would be the case today, as they plan to visit several pet stores in the shopping district. Suga is holding an honest-to-goodness list of things the books said to buy. It was another Saturday, and Suga is also taking the opportunity to introduce him to the valiant merchants, sometimes cheerleaders, of the Karasuno Shopping District. He has been there a couple of times for the past month but never had the chance to make the acquaintance of the townsfolk.
Daichi tried not to blush too much as Suga drags him by the arm from store to store, introducing him as the very capable veterinarian who just moved next door. He tells himself it’s because he’s meeting so many new people. He’s not getting flustered by the warm hand on his arm. Not at all. He’s also finding it very hard to say no whenever he’s given a free apple, or a free cabbage, or even a free car tire in every other shop they pass by. Daichi is heartened. He would never have the same experience in the hustle and bustle of Sendai.
It was nearing lunch when they finally walk into one of the pet stores. Suga is elated to find that it offers all kinds of cat litter and boxes. Suga was about to buy a monstrous thing the size of a table, but Daichi had to explain that they needed a reasonable-sized one for now for Choco’s litter box training. Daichi suggested a litter box with a cover so that Choco can have his privacy, and Suga ended up choosing a bright orange one with a flapping entrance. Daichi can only shake his head in amusement upon seeing the color.
Thankfully, they have the same taste in smell. They unanimously agreed to a scentless litter- at least for now in case Choco gets some allergic reactions. On the matter of food, Suga deferred to Daichi’s expertise, which he readily fulfilled as he chose a couple of boxes of kitten wet food and dry food from a reputable brand. He also got a little carton of milk because Choco was taken away from his mother too early. He pretended not to notice Suga putting on their cart toy after toy and one too many kitten nibbles. He figured there’s no harm in Suga spoiling his new housemate.
“Oh, and we need to buy treats for Mallows!” Suga suddenly exclaimed, hurrying towards the dog section to Daichi’s surprise and awe. “She’s been a good girl waiting for us back home, I feel bad that we left her all alone.”
He couldn’t lie at that point. Daichi’s heart skipped several beats, watching the man’s silver hair reflect the light while looking for a gift for his beloved dog.
He likes the sound of that. “We.”
**
He really should stop asking the other man for help, Koushi thinks, as he waits anxiously for Daichi to arrive in the elementary school.
Shirabu canceled at the last minute saying there’s an emergency at the hospital. Koushi got the call at 6:30 AM and he was pacing outside his door in a near panic when Daichi came out ready for his morning run, Mallows peeking through the half-open door and looking up expectedly at Koushi for his morning pats which he quickly obliged.
“Is everything alright?” Daichi asked in mild alarm, obviously attuned at this point to the fluctuating moods of his neighbor of almost half a year now.
Koushi looked at him in distress and it made Daichi want to lift the world off of the other’s shoulders.
“It’s Kenji- it's Shirabu,” Koushi said, looking defeated. “There was an emergency at the hospital and he can’t make it. He was gonna be the highlight of career week as an alumni doctor, but now I don’t have anything to show for today and I already promised my kids-“
“Alright calm down,” Daichi said, putting a firm hand on Koushi’s shoulders, all intent to go running in the morning completely forgotten. “Will he be able to send a proxy in his place?”
Koushi’s brows furrowed further. “He’d like to, but there was a big accident and they needed all hands on deck. And if they could, it takes a couple of hours to travel to here so they’ll be late for homeroom. Daichi, what should I do?”
“This isn’t a problem with no solution,” Daichi said firmly. “When you say a doctor, is it required to bring a doctor for humans?”
Koushi suddenly gripped his arms, easily following the other’s train of thought. A budding hope growing in his chest.
“You’ll do this for me?”
Daichi only gave him a wide smile.
“Did I not tell you? I actually look good in a doctor’s coat.” It was Daichi’s turn this time to give him a wink.
Koushi didn’t know what he did to deserve a man like Daichi as his neighbor.
From the second time Koushi appeared in his doorway with another cat this time injured from a fight, then the third time he appeared in a panic because Ossan choked on a big seed, then the fourth time he had to fetch the veterinarian because Ito-san’s goat got stuck in a ditch, then the many times after that when he would just drop by and increase the other man’s workload by carrying with him another animal that needed help, Daichi was there all along. Always patient. Always attentive. And each time is a different experience.
Like this one.
This is the first time he’s seen the other man wear a doctor’s coat, and boy did Daichi indeed look good. His daily outfit usually consists of just jeans and a dark shirt if he is to go on a house call, scrubs, and a gown on top of it when he has to perform surgery. Koushi watches the other man alight from his pick-up after driving up the school’s gateway with the windows down. It was easily clear as to why: he brought their favorite girl, Mallows, with him. Said girl is now happily sticking her head outside and feeling the breeze.
“She’s my contingency in case the kids don’t like me,” Daichi said, eyes crinkling as Koushi proceeded to smother Mallows with kisses and head pats. “I hope she’s allowed inside? I’m sorry I forgot to check with you first.”
Of course, Mallows will be given a special exception. Daichi’s question was immediately answered when the principal himself saw them in the driveway and heard Koushi’s explanation on how the doctor canceled last minute so he had to ask his veterinarian neighbor for a favor. The principal agreed readily, assured that Mallows is fully vaccinated and Daichi is perfectly capable of handling the friendly dog.
And Koushi himself can attest to that. Through the months, Koushi and Mallows became fast friends. The dog already waiting by the door of the clinic before Koushi heads out to class, or waiting patiently in the early evening if Koushi can accompany them to walk. Which he tries to do from time to time, and sometimes even offering to walk Mallows himself while Daichi is busy in the clinic. Daichi warned him about feeding the dog too many treats, but Koushi couldn’t resist giving just an extra or two for their good girl. He knows for a fact that Daichi does it too.
It was a perfect day. Koushi couldn’t ask for more. Daichi outperformed and blown away all his expectations, and the children definitely like him. True, Koushi was scared that the kids would be disappointed to not meet an actual doctor who graduated from their school, but they squealed in delight as soon as the door opened to reveal a fluffy white dog almost as tall as they are.
And Daichi was. Daichi was relaxed the entire time. He patiently taught the kids how to approach Mallows, or any other dog for that matter, properly so that they won’t startle them and put themselves in danger. He told his students how he became a veterinarian, how he decided to set up his own clinic, and why he wanted to help animals. By the end of the period, Koushi is certain Daichi managed to convince at least half of the class to be veterinarians themselves.
“There’s something really special about caring for animals,” Daichi said patiently. “They give us unconditional love. They help us in our daily lives. It’s the least we could do to ensure their health and be there for them so that they may also live their best lives.”
Perhaps the kids missed most of the nuances because Daichi explained in the simplest possible way, but it left Koushi in awe. All his life, he never really left Karasuno- going to college in Sendai aside. He immediately went home to give back to his alma mater by way of teaching. He’s always been contented. Then everyone started leaving him behind or moving on with their lives and it got him thinking: is there something wrong with being fine where he is?
“He seems like a fine man,” Shimizu said. His friend at one point slipped into his classroom to take a peek at the commotion that spread like wildfire throughout the school.
“He really is,” Koushi answered a bit too fondly. Shimizu hid a smile behind a hand.
“Well I hope he’s a good cook,” Shimizu teased.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Koushi hissed. Though he knows perfectly well what Shimizu meant.
And he’s not opposed to it either.
“Daichi, you saved me!” Koushi exclaimed, hurrying to Daichi’s clinic at the end of the school day. He was a big hit- the kids are already asking if they could arrange a visit to Daichi’s clinic for a school trip. Koushi was glad to find that Daichi and Mallows are still in the clinic, with the big dog hurrying to Suga’s side to ask for more pets.
“It was my pleasure Suga,” Daichi said, looking up from where he was busy clipping the nails of a cute tabby cat. “I hope I did ok?”
“You did better than ok!” Suga gushed, still high on the happiness of that day. “How can I ever make it up to you?”
Daichi took his time answering, finishing the last paw and gently putting back the tabby to its carrier. “You can, actually.”
Koushi perked up. “Anything!”
Daichi raised an eyebrow. “Anything?” and Koushi realized how stupid he sounded. But before he can kick himself, Daichi beats him to it.
“I haven’t seen Choco in a while and I figured I’m due a visit,” Daichi said, eyes glinting mischievously.
Koushi had no problem picking up the cue. “Come have dinner with me? I mean us! Come have dinner with us!”
Daichi grinned. “I would love to.”
“It’s a date then?” And Suga blushes violently, completely convinced that he’s really due that kick because clearly! His brain is lacking some sense apparently.
But Daichi’s grin only became wider.
“It’s a date.”
**
“So this is Choco’s new mansion huh?”
Daichi had the pleasure to watch the other man blush. In the five going on six months that they were living beside each other, this is the first time that he has actually ever gone inside the other man’s house. It’s not too surprising- it has the same layout as his, is obviously more lived in judging from the memories hanging from the walls, bookshelves teeming with volumes old and new, and some souvenirs here and there.
The walls are adorned with photographs. There’s one featuring a family of four, all with silver hair. A photo of two boys who really resemble each other that you won’t be able to notice the difference unless you know where each of their respective moles were (Suga’s is under his left eye, and, whom Daichi assumes as Suga’s brother, has his above his right eyebrow). There’s a photograph of a high school volleyball team, a much younger Suga grinning proudly and showing off a uniform with a big number 2. There are multiple photos of three, Suga with a stern-looking young man with brown hair and straight bangs, and a gentle-looking man with black hair and sleepy eyes.
But what he didn’t expect is that there are already multiple polaroids of Choco here and there. And Daichi too, if he looks closer.
There are also about… Seven class photos now featuring bright smiling second graders and a teacher that they so obviously adored.
“Can you believe some of them are graduating from Middle School now?” Suga said fondly, as he eyes the contents of his refrigerator. “Time sure flies so fast- it feels like yesterday when I was in Middle School myself!”
Daichi can definitely relate to that but before he could answer, he heard a very energetic meow. He barely had time to look down before a black streak came hurrying down the hallway to rub himself around his legs, purring up a storm. He could see that the kitten thrives in his new environment. At six months, it’s almost the size of an adult house cat. Daichi is beginning to suspect that Choco will grow to be much bigger than they were expecting.
“Looks like he missed you,” Suga said, amusement coloring his voice. “The traitor didn’t even greet me. Who does he think feeds him?”
“I’d like to think Chogo has good taste,” Daichi teased, reaching down to rub the neck of the not-so-little-anymore black cat he nursed back to health just a couple of months prior.
“And who do you think will feed you tonight, Sawamura?” Suga said sternly, pots and pans clanging. Daichi belatedly realizes that he should have probably offered to help.
“Nope, you just sit there and keep the company of his majesty,” Suga said, waving aside his offer. Daichi obediently sat down on the very comfortable couch, Choco immediately claiming his lap.
“How come he never does that with me!” Suga called out from the kitchen.
“Told you, better taste,” Daichi chuckled, content to just sink down the warm and comfortable couch smelling faintly of cookies.
Daichi must have been more tired than he realized after a day of keeping up with grade-schoolers because the next thing he knew, he was woken from a light nap by claws digging on his thighs as Choco jumps down from his lap, spooked by the panicked cursing coming from the kitchen.
It took a while before Daichi processed that there is smoke coming from that direction and that woke him up real quick. He hurried to Suga only to find the other man about to pour a pitcher of water on the stove that is beginning to smoke violently.
“Don’t!” Daichi yelled, grabbing Suga’s arm before he could even attempt to pour the water. Suga looked at him in alarm.
“That will just make the smoke worse,” Daichi said patiently. “Do you have some salt? Just pour salt over it. Or baking soda.”
He wasn’t really sure what the man attempted to cook when the smoke cleared, because what they could only see are charred blobs. Suga was looking at it forlornly. What a cute pout.
“You know what, why don’t we go next door instead and I’ll whip out something for dinner?” Daichi said, adrenaline still pumping from the near-catastrophic incident.
“I’ll have you know I’m much more capable than this,” Suga said, blushing furiously.
“I know,” Daichi said fondly. “But it doesn’t mean you won’t need help sometimes.”
“But I’m supposed to be taking you out on a date!” Suga continued to whine, albeit Daichi suspects just for posterity.
Choco let out a disgruntled meow.
And so they moved next door, taking with him a cat annoyed from all the racket. Mallows was instantly fascinated by the black furry creature about the size of her leg
Daichi was relieved to find that he still has some ingredients left to make karaage, which he hurried to do. It was the other man’s turn to relax on his couch, and he’s aware that it’s not as comfortable as Suga’s yet. But the other doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, Suga looked like he’s barely paying attention to where he is as he heckles Choco who keeps running away from Mallows- Mallows soaking in all the attention.
It was instantly obvious the big dog is doing it more for Suga’s attention than a genuine commitment to annoying the kitten.
“Mallows has great taste,” Suga yelled from the living room.
“He takes after me,” Daichi yelled back as he starts deep frying chicken. He smiled when he hears sputtering from the other room.
Daichi’s heart, once again, felt warm and he can’t help but make a little extra effort to make his karaage more presentable as he called the other man for dinner.
“Did you know, the first night I met you, I was planning to cook karaage,” Suga said in delight. “These are really good Daichi! You should always cook me chicken.”
He would if Suga would allow it, Daichi thought to himself.
They spent the whole evening in light chatter, Choco already sleeping by their feet after being fed the night’s portion of wet food. Mallows contentedly watching them from his bed by the hallway. He waved away Suga’s offer to wash the dishes and, afterward, they found themselves sitting beside each other on Daichi’s stiff couch. Not quite cuddling, but very near that. Each nursing a cup of warm chocolate with marshmallows on top and absent-mindedly petting the other’s furry friend. It's early Autumn, and the air is just starting to get cold. Mallows is lying down on Suga’s other side, and Choco once again claiming Daichi’s lap.
“This is nice,” Suga said, drinking from his cup and emerging with a chocolate mustache that Daichi reached over to wipe. Instead of swatting his hand away, Suga just inclined his head to give Daichi better access.
“It is,” Daichi replied, settling back on his position on the couch. “It’s more… peaceful than what I was used to.”
Arching an eyebrow Suga replied with an, “Oh?”
Daichi took his time. He watched the marshmallows melt for a while before sipping his chocolate slowly. His other hand finding Choco’s fur and burrowing in it.
“The city is always loud, and our house was even more so,” Daichi said. “Partly the reason why I moved, apart from wanting a change of pace, is to find some peace. I’m not saying I don’t appreciate my family. I do. It’s just that. There’s something. You know? That I might be able to do on my own.”
There was a short period of comfortable silence.
“Did you know,” Suga hummed, cuddling Mallows closer. “All my friends moved away. I stayed here. My family is just further up the mountains. I sometimes wonder if I should have done something else with my life, tried other experiences, but I’m quite content. I could do those and more while still staying here. Though it can be lonely sometimes, you know?”
Daichi glanced at the other man and seeing that Suga was already looking at him fondly and reaching for his hand.
“I’m glad you’re here. It’s not as lonely anymore.”
**
Throughout Daichi’s life, he felt like he’s always looking for something. He doesn’t know what exactly, but it’s been nagging in his mind as he went through the motions: fulfilling his obligations as the eldest son, the eldest sibling, the volleyball captain, and now a licensed veterinarian with his very own clinic.
His life has followed a single path, everything according to design. No big surprises. Nothing new. It’s just is.
Daichi was ok with the way things were, but he can’t help but think that maybe there can be more.
And now he’s found it- what he has been looking for all along. It came in a small town in the mountains, with a kitten in his arms and a spark in his eyes. It came from next door with a tray of cookies while speaking to a bird. It came with eyes of caramel eyes and hair of silver, a mole in a cheek, and a smile as bright as the sun.
It came with another role for him to fulfill, but he’s doing so wholeheartedly. A role of being someone’s partner in life.
He felt a piece of him settle from being dislodged for the longest time.
This is it, he thought, as he watches Suga, now Koushi, cuddle Mallows and Choco in front of the television in their now shared living room. Ossan once again in its perch as they are sitters for the weekend. With their new puppy sleeping on a cushion underneath the coffee table (a rescue from an accident), and a new kitten who Choco just carried with him one day- a tabby this time, cuddling on its side.
His something different. Something new.
He just hopes Mallows remembers the cue they’ve been painstakingly rehearsing in secret for the past several weeks.
Daichi plans to make her the ring bearer if they succeed.
He can’t wait to spend the rest of his life with his new family.